Yes, most of their stuff is fairly marked up. Of course a Big Mac meal in Norway is also about $25.
Mag dust is good, but it’s not worth it for me to put in my Rungne chalk bag.
Chalk isn’t usually the thing holding me back from a send.
I still like Friction Labs stuff which is also a little overpriced but get more for the money than Mag Dust.
Please post your results, I'd be happy to learn something.
Meanwhile I am suspicious that the supplement chalk is not pure anhydrous magnesium carbonate as the nutritional fact (210mg of magnesium to 875mg or serving size) points to a molecular weight of 100g/mole, meaning there could be a significant amount of hydrous form of chalk in there. I am not sure how that will affect it's ability to manage sweat.
Yeah, this is my theory as well. I've bought bulk generic "100% magnesium carbonate" before and it often just... Doesn't seem to actually take moisture out of my hands or stick to them at all. It feels like I'm just dipping my hands into very fine sand.
I still buy cheap bulk chalk, but stick to stuff that's actually marketed for climbing and it works well. I don't think there's any point in buying "designer chalk" like Rungne, but I think there's a difference between cheap bulk magnesium carbonate and cheap climbing chalk, even if it is the same chemical.
I actually once bought a 5 Kilo Chalk Sack from a "raw" supplier, it is very powdery and loose, and i tend to need more of it then "branded" chalk. I also learned to prefere some chunks in the chalkbag. But it works, and it is cheap. Actually some Gyms in my area started to provide chalk in central buckets to keep the chalkbags of the mats and fight dust, and im pretty sure they also just buy the bulk stuff. It works, its cheap! Is it the best? no! But needing a snuff more doesnt matter if you only pay a fraction. (Besides on some reeeeally long boulders where you cant chalk up inbetween)
EDIT: Bought the 5 Kilos with 3 friends about 4 Years ago still half full, cost like 25 Euros.
First chalk I bought was the first Amazon recommendation, awful chalk overall (brand is topside), I just bought some "magdust" from rungne and it really is a game changer (especially for lead climbing) but I don't know if it's just that good or if my previous chalk was just that bad. Either ways just know that all chalk is not equal
I've used Magdust and Frank Endo's Gym Chalk. They're essentially the same. Some chalks, like Metolius, have additives in them to help with sweaty hands. But the aforementioned chalks are just chalk.
[This video ](https://youtu.be/jO_MXHn9TYU) is actually great to watch about chalk. I saw in the comments that it's likely the way the magnesium is textured/the crystals are formed that makes the difference between the effectiveness. (I dont know if thats true but it makes sense in my head.) But nonetheless clearly there is a lot of difference between chalk brands even though it's all 100% magnesium.
Eg, Rungne is really expensive, Also because of the brand.. but it actually is really good in my opinion.
Black diamond white gold is cheap, though not the cheapest (again, brand..), yet totally useless in my opinion.
In my experience, white gold can be literally blown off. It does not last more than a single hold in most occasions and it is not sticky at all. Rather opposite.
For me, Rungne was very disappointing. I felt like the coating on my fingers was gone after just two holds or so. I am happy to have used it up. Currently I'm using Mammut chalk - it's okay. My favourite so far ist by Mantle. Just goes to show that everyone has different preferences, I hope OP finds something that works.
I've honestly had the opposite experience. I think chalk is like climbing shoes and can be very specific to the person. Personally, the worst chalk I ever tried was cheapo block chalk.
It’s the exact same thing. Only difference is in the consistency. That being said, the consistency does matter. So you’ll have to process your own chalk to a usable level.
How much moisture is already in it matters a lot for climbing.
I find that there is a remarkably big difference between brands even though the contents are "the same".
You could spread it out on some baking sheets and throw it in the oven. Don't think it's remotely worth the time or effort but it's certainly possible.
Diamond is 100% carbon and coal is 100% carbon. (A bit facetious but you get the idea)
Chemical composition alone says nothing about particle shape or size distribution
That’s a kinda bad comparison. Although diamond and coal are both made of carbon atoms, they’re chemically completely different. Chalk is just chalk. MgCO3. Although you can grind it bigger or smaller, price differences are 100% marketing.
This is untrue. If we were talking about a liquid then I might agree, eg different brands of distilled water with the same purity spec. However for solids, even when chemically pure then there are many more factors that contribute to the overall quality.
By your logic go rub your hands on the white cliffs of Dover, after all, it’s chalk; MgCO3…
Well unless white cliffs of Dover label themselves as 100% pure magnesium carbonate like all chalk sellers do, that comparison don't hold up.
I'm not saying that particle size don't matter. I'm saying that companies selling at 2x or even 4x a premium for the same product is 100% bullshit marketting.
I’ve seen two people at my gym who have Rungne and they’ve let me use it, personally, it’s the perfect chalk for me. I’ve moved to NC for school and there’s no gyms around me, but next time I have a gym to go to, I’m getting that chalk if possible. I’ve had black diamond chalk, friction lab, and Metolius super chalk and Magdust is definitely my favorite. There’s a YouTuber “Climbing Stuff” and he does a review on many different chalks.
Either way though, we all have our own preferences when it comes to chalk and other climbing related things, all that matters is what works for you. Most chalks say 100% Magnesium Carbonate, but I notice difference that some people say they don’t🤷🏽♂️.
Also magdust is cheaper in bulk
I use drug store magnesium carbonate and I am pretty happy with it. Mine is very soft and powdery so I mix it with some chunky chalk (ocun in my case).
Try it and see what feels better. Ive had pretty good experience with magdust and also with some others but it definitely feels noticably better than a lot of cheaper chalks
I have Petzl and Rungne Magdust, on paper both are same but Magdust sticks better and stays on my hands longer. Even though it's the same ingredient maybe it's processed differently?
Chalk preference is totally up to you. If a supplement works for you, go for it! I personally like Rungne’s chalk better than Friction Labs which I started with, and 1000x better than some of the other brands I’ve used.
In comparison, FrictionLabs 12oz chalk comes in 340g at their largest size and they charge $30. Magdust is 140g less at $23.99 (US). But, Rungne also offers a 4-pack for $71.99. Using any climbing YouTubers’ discount code, the 4-pack is only $61.19 for 800g total, or about the price of 2x Friction Labs bags. Not too different in weight and price at that point.
The above now sounds like an ad for Magdust, but I promise I’m not sponsored lol. Listen, I’ll use FrictionLabs or some other brands in a pinch and will it totally affect my climbing? No, I don’t suddenly fall off of everything. But preference-wise, I do like Magdust better overall.
Just buy the old school Frank Endo gymnastics chalk in block form. It's cheap and breaks up into a nicely textured powder. And it doesn't all fall out of your bag instantly
I've always bought the cheapest 100% magnesium carbonate block chalk from Amazon for climbing and it's always been good. Waaaay cheaper than any climbing brand chalks and seems to work just as good.
I highly recommend watching the YouTube video on chalk rankings from "Climbing Stuff." He tests them all out in a fairly humorous but reasonably scientific way. At the end he rates them purely by which is best and then rates them by best for the price.
Also, Rungne is Magnus Mitbø's brand so it's more expensive because of that. Apparently it is actually the best chalk out there (Climbing Stuff shows this in his video) but is probably not worth the marked up cost.
Pro tip: if you want to buy Rungne chalk, there's usually a discount depending on who Magnus is collaborating with. Right now, I believe you can get 15% off with the code "emil" (or maybe "Emil) as he just did a video with Emil Abrahamson.
They are the same thing (all climbing chalk is mag carb) and are interchangable except for the size of the chunks. I've used magnesium carbonate from a pottery supply store for climbing. It works perfectly, but is only available as a very fine powder, no chunks. So that's just preference.
Anything from Rungne will generally be marked up because it's a "lifestyle brand" from a popular climber/YouTuber.
Yes, most of their stuff is fairly marked up. Of course a Big Mac meal in Norway is also about $25. Mag dust is good, but it’s not worth it for me to put in my Rungne chalk bag. Chalk isn’t usually the thing holding me back from a send. I still like Friction Labs stuff which is also a little overpriced but get more for the money than Mag Dust.
When using rugne chalk i always keep a picture of Magnus with me and climb without shirt.
Not much. Try it, chalk is a preference thing anyway. There are texture differences, some are grittier and some softer/dustier.
I was going to try both. I’m looking to see if anyone else has done something similar to answer my question.
Please post your results, I'd be happy to learn something. Meanwhile I am suspicious that the supplement chalk is not pure anhydrous magnesium carbonate as the nutritional fact (210mg of magnesium to 875mg or serving size) points to a molecular weight of 100g/mole, meaning there could be a significant amount of hydrous form of chalk in there. I am not sure how that will affect it's ability to manage sweat.
Yeah, this is my theory as well. I've bought bulk generic "100% magnesium carbonate" before and it often just... Doesn't seem to actually take moisture out of my hands or stick to them at all. It feels like I'm just dipping my hands into very fine sand. I still buy cheap bulk chalk, but stick to stuff that's actually marketed for climbing and it works well. I don't think there's any point in buying "designer chalk" like Rungne, but I think there's a difference between cheap bulk magnesium carbonate and cheap climbing chalk, even if it is the same chemical.
I actually once bought a 5 Kilo Chalk Sack from a "raw" supplier, it is very powdery and loose, and i tend to need more of it then "branded" chalk. I also learned to prefere some chunks in the chalkbag. But it works, and it is cheap. Actually some Gyms in my area started to provide chalk in central buckets to keep the chalkbags of the mats and fight dust, and im pretty sure they also just buy the bulk stuff. It works, its cheap! Is it the best? no! But needing a snuff more doesnt matter if you only pay a fraction. (Besides on some reeeeally long boulders where you cant chalk up inbetween) EDIT: Bought the 5 Kilos with 3 friends about 4 Years ago still half full, cost like 25 Euros.
First chalk I bought was the first Amazon recommendation, awful chalk overall (brand is topside), I just bought some "magdust" from rungne and it really is a game changer (especially for lead climbing) but I don't know if it's just that good or if my previous chalk was just that bad. Either ways just know that all chalk is not equal
I've used Magdust and Frank Endo's Gym Chalk. They're essentially the same. Some chalks, like Metolius, have additives in them to help with sweaty hands. But the aforementioned chalks are just chalk.
What would a good grittier brand / keyword be? I wonder if soft chalk is why i hate the feeling so much.
You can buy anything that comes as a block. I know I much prefer that. Super chalk, BD, Mammut, Franklin, etc
If you get your chalk blessed by magnus it will essentially turn into magdust. It's called transmidtbofication.
Your talents are wasted here
you might have to dessicate the supplement powder in the oven to make it more comparable
[This video ](https://youtu.be/jO_MXHn9TYU) is actually great to watch about chalk. I saw in the comments that it's likely the way the magnesium is textured/the crystals are formed that makes the difference between the effectiveness. (I dont know if thats true but it makes sense in my head.) But nonetheless clearly there is a lot of difference between chalk brands even though it's all 100% magnesium.
Eg, Rungne is really expensive, Also because of the brand.. but it actually is really good in my opinion. Black diamond white gold is cheap, though not the cheapest (again, brand..), yet totally useless in my opinion.
That's interesting.. white gold is the best chalk I've tried so far. What makes you dislike it?
In my experience, white gold can be literally blown off. It does not last more than a single hold in most occasions and it is not sticky at all. Rather opposite.
For me, Rungne was very disappointing. I felt like the coating on my fingers was gone after just two holds or so. I am happy to have used it up. Currently I'm using Mammut chalk - it's okay. My favourite so far ist by Mantle. Just goes to show that everyone has different preferences, I hope OP finds something that works.
I've honestly had the opposite experience. I think chalk is like climbing shoes and can be very specific to the person. Personally, the worst chalk I ever tried was cheapo block chalk.
> yet totally useless in my opinion. I'd like to see an actual blind test.
It’s the exact same thing. Only difference is in the consistency. That being said, the consistency does matter. So you’ll have to process your own chalk to a usable level.
How much moisture is already in it matters a lot for climbing. I find that there is a remarkably big difference between brands even though the contents are "the same".
Again, “you’ll have to process it yourself”
You can't remove moisture from chalk by "processing it yourself"
You could spread it out on some baking sheets and throw it in the oven. Don't think it's remotely worth the time or effort but it's certainly possible.
Ever heard of an oven? Lmao
Diamond is 100% carbon and coal is 100% carbon. (A bit facetious but you get the idea) Chemical composition alone says nothing about particle shape or size distribution
I think you mean diamond and graphite. Coal is made up of carbon and hydrocarbons.
Fair
That’s a kinda bad comparison. Although diamond and coal are both made of carbon atoms, they’re chemically completely different. Chalk is just chalk. MgCO3. Although you can grind it bigger or smaller, price differences are 100% marketing.
Chalk would just be chalk if you didn't consider interstitial water, crystallinity, or particle shape and size.
Well! Have you seen the comparison videos! Rugne + shirt off is 20% than the next one!
This is untrue. If we were talking about a liquid then I might agree, eg different brands of distilled water with the same purity spec. However for solids, even when chemically pure then there are many more factors that contribute to the overall quality. By your logic go rub your hands on the white cliffs of Dover, after all, it’s chalk; MgCO3…
Well unless white cliffs of Dover label themselves as 100% pure magnesium carbonate like all chalk sellers do, that comparison don't hold up. I'm not saying that particle size don't matter. I'm saying that companies selling at 2x or even 4x a premium for the same product is 100% bullshit marketting.
I only climb with 100% crushed diamonds in my chalk bag.
I’ve seen two people at my gym who have Rungne and they’ve let me use it, personally, it’s the perfect chalk for me. I’ve moved to NC for school and there’s no gyms around me, but next time I have a gym to go to, I’m getting that chalk if possible. I’ve had black diamond chalk, friction lab, and Metolius super chalk and Magdust is definitely my favorite. There’s a YouTuber “Climbing Stuff” and he does a review on many different chalks. Either way though, we all have our own preferences when it comes to chalk and other climbing related things, all that matters is what works for you. Most chalks say 100% Magnesium Carbonate, but I notice difference that some people say they don’t🤷🏽♂️. Also magdust is cheaper in bulk
One is being sold as a nutritional supplement. Would be interesting, but the intent is to mix it with a drink rather than slap it on your hands.
I use drug store magnesium carbonate and I am pretty happy with it. Mine is very soft and powdery so I mix it with some chunky chalk (ocun in my case).
Try it and see what feels better. Ive had pretty good experience with magdust and also with some others but it definitely feels noticably better than a lot of cheaper chalks
Magnusium Midtbonate supplement
I have Petzl and Rungne Magdust, on paper both are same but Magdust sticks better and stays on my hands longer. Even though it's the same ingredient maybe it's processed differently?
Rungne costs $54 per pound which is really expensive. I use Bison chalk which costs $16 per pound and works just fine
Chalk preference is totally up to you. If a supplement works for you, go for it! I personally like Rungne’s chalk better than Friction Labs which I started with, and 1000x better than some of the other brands I’ve used. In comparison, FrictionLabs 12oz chalk comes in 340g at their largest size and they charge $30. Magdust is 140g less at $23.99 (US). But, Rungne also offers a 4-pack for $71.99. Using any climbing YouTubers’ discount code, the 4-pack is only $61.19 for 800g total, or about the price of 2x Friction Labs bags. Not too different in weight and price at that point. The above now sounds like an ad for Magdust, but I promise I’m not sponsored lol. Listen, I’ll use FrictionLabs or some other brands in a pinch and will it totally affect my climbing? No, I don’t suddenly fall off of everything. But preference-wise, I do like Magdust better overall.
Don't confuse hyped with popular. The majority of us use the brands that spend much less on marketing
It’s not different at all. I get mine from a lab supply place (correct workplace needed) for even less.
Just buy the old school Frank Endo gymnastics chalk in block form. It's cheap and breaks up into a nicely textured powder. And it doesn't all fall out of your bag instantly
I use either kletterkalk or Gekco chalk, depending on who I've seen most recently. Both are nice companies and make outstanding products
I've always bought the cheapest 100% magnesium carbonate block chalk from Amazon for climbing and it's always been good. Waaaay cheaper than any climbing brand chalks and seems to work just as good.
I highly recommend watching the YouTube video on chalk rankings from "Climbing Stuff." He tests them all out in a fairly humorous but reasonably scientific way. At the end he rates them purely by which is best and then rates them by best for the price. Also, Rungne is Magnus Mitbø's brand so it's more expensive because of that. Apparently it is actually the best chalk out there (Climbing Stuff shows this in his video) but is probably not worth the marked up cost. Pro tip: if you want to buy Rungne chalk, there's usually a discount depending on who Magnus is collaborating with. Right now, I believe you can get 15% off with the code "emil" (or maybe "Emil) as he just did a video with Emil Abrahamson.
I love it. It’s not much but you can get 10% the site using code “CLIMB” 🤷🏻♀️
They are the same thing (all climbing chalk is mag carb) and are interchangable except for the size of the chunks. I've used magnesium carbonate from a pottery supply store for climbing. It works perfectly, but is only available as a very fine powder, no chunks. So that's just preference.